4/5 Spy 2015 has already seen the release of one awesome spy parody, Matthew Vaughn’s Kingsman, so did we really need another sendup of the storied genre? Turns out, yes! In fact, a movie like Spy, Paul Feig’s latest Melissa McCarthy team-up, is exactly what the doctor ordered. Spy doesn’t lampoon 007 as much as it finally sets the record straight on just how hilarious, beautiful, and empowering McCarthy is as a strong woman in 2015. Feig has long been the writer/director that uses her best. His 2011 mega-hit Bridesmaids won McCarthy an Oscar nomination and set her on the superstar path. While 2013’s Sandra Bullock collaboration The Heat was a slight lull, Spy sees the director/actor team right back where they belong. In Spy, McCarthy plays Susan Cooper, a desk-bound CIA agent tied, emotionally and otherwise, to Agent Bradley Fine (Jude Law sporting a sturdy American accent), the film’s James Bond incarnate. Susan wants to be out in the field, but she cannot leave Fine. That is, until he is taken out of the picture by Rayna Boyanov (Rose Byrne, killing it!), an evil Russian heiress with intent to sell a nuclear bomb to another evil billionaire played by the always-welcome Bobby Cannavale. | Director: Paul Feig Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Jude Law, Jason Statham, Allison Janney Writer: Paul Feig |
Somewhere in the mix is Jason Statham’s Rick Ford, a bitter agent who claims to have lived through all kinds of extreme circumstances - he claims to have reattached his own arm. Statham never loses an ounce of comic juice as he laughs off the super-serious tough-guy roles he’s been playing since his Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels peak. And so begins the long list of extraordinary performances Spy has to offer. From smaller roles like Morena Baccarin’s posh spy to more substantial roles like Byrne’s, this film is packed to the brim with dynamite roles for women. For every amusing turn by Jude Law or Peter Serafinowicz, there are four Miranda Hart’s and Allison Janney’s. What a year 2015 is shaping up to be.
The film loses some steam in places, especially when it’s attempting to work as a Bond-spoof. The extended musical intro with zipping shadowy bullets and such could have been reduced or taken out. Spy shines best when its dialed in on the hurricane of humor that is Melissa McCarthy. From on-the-dot comic timing to stellar physical comedy skills, the woman knows what she is doing. Like I said earlier, Feig knows how to handle this actress. Lovable-loser does not look good on McCarthy - the less Tammy’s she makes, the better. Feig’s script endows her with heart, humor, real emotions, and, best of all, a flattering glimpse at the beauty she really is. Bravo.
The film loses some steam in places, especially when it’s attempting to work as a Bond-spoof. The extended musical intro with zipping shadowy bullets and such could have been reduced or taken out. Spy shines best when its dialed in on the hurricane of humor that is Melissa McCarthy. From on-the-dot comic timing to stellar physical comedy skills, the woman knows what she is doing. Like I said earlier, Feig knows how to handle this actress. Lovable-loser does not look good on McCarthy - the less Tammy’s she makes, the better. Feig’s script endows her with heart, humor, real emotions, and, best of all, a flattering glimpse at the beauty she really is. Bravo.